REV. TOM ARE, JR. - SENIOR PASTOR

Prior to coming to Village in 2004, Tom Are, Jr. spent most of his life in the Southeast. He loves Royals’ baseball, stories that make you laugh, a book that makes you think and enough snowfall to close things down for a day or so. When he can’t be in Kansas City, his favorite spot is to be canoe/camping in Quetico, Canada.

Tom finds the Village Church family to be honest about faith, serious about mission and growing in our commitment to be shaped by the life of Jesus Christ. He sees significant changes in our culture regarding faith these days, and that gives him great energy and a deep sense of joy in his call to ministry.

Tom is a graduate of Presbyterian College in South Carolina, Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, Va. and Yale Divinity School. Previously, Tom has served Westminster Church in Charleston, S.C. Seven Oaks Church in Columbia, South Carolina and Riverside Church in Jacksonville, Fla. Tom and his wife, Carol, have been married since 1987, and they have two young adult children, Sarah and Nathan. Carol is a registered nurse and Tom is a sixth generation Presbyterian pastor (that’s a lot!).

Dr. Rodger Nishioka became the director of Adult Educational Ministries at Village Presbyterian Church in March of 2016. He is also serving as senior associate. Born in Honolulu and raised in Seattle at the Japanese Presbyterian Church, Rodger is the son of a retired Presbyterian minister. He is one of the most sought-after and inspiring preachers in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Prior to coming to Village, Rodger taught at Columbia Theological Seminary in Atlanta for 15 years. In that ministry, he taught pastors to be teachers and leaders in the church’s educational ministry, specializing in particular on youth and young adult ministry. Prior to teaching at Columbia Theological Seminary, Rodger was the national coordinator for Youth and Young Adult Ministries for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1986-1999) and taught English and Social Sciences at Curtis Junior High School (1983-1986). Rodger received his Doctor of Philosophy degree in Social and Cultural Foundations of Education from Georgia State University. He earned his Master of Arts in Theological Studies with an emphasis in biblical studies and theology) from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, and a Bachelor of Arts in English with Minor in History and a Teaching Certificate for Secondary Education (Grades 6-12).

REV. LEN CARRELL - PASTOR OF PASTORAL CARE ​

Len is both thrilled and honored Village Church is where he is called to serve in his first ordained call. The Carrells are overjoyed to be joining Village’s family of faith. They love the joy of hospitality surrounding our church home. They love how pastoral care, mission and worship are the cornerstone of our active life together as a church. They love how together we’re learning to better love one another, God and neighbor. Len loves telling stories that come to life, and how everyone can participate in a story simply told. Len is from Texas, lived in New York City, worked as a professional actor, and started a business representing textile artists. Len has grown in faith, hope and love serving as a member of the Brick Presbyterian Church and studying at Austin Seminary.

REV. HALLIE HOTTLE - PASTOR OF YOUNG ADULTS

Hallie came to Village for her second call in January of 2016. A Midwest native, Hallie spent her seminary years at Princeton Theological, and her first five years of ministry in Miami, Florida, which means she’s glad to be “home,” but really missing Cuban coffee and endless summers. Hallie’s passion for ministry lies within her job title, connecting Young Adults with all that it means to be Church. She calls her generation “strange and beautiful,” and despite those who see young people turning away from religion, she insists that they are simply leaning into their faith in new ways. She’s super glad to be at Village, a church that is big enough to explore these “new ways,” and a people who live into her desire to “love ferociously” together.

Hallie is married to Nick Dorn, and they enjoy their three dogs, and changing the world over good beer.

REV. JENNY McDEVITT - PASTOR OF PASTORAL CARE ​

Jenny McDevitt came to Village as Pastor of Pastoral Care in September of 2012. She loves the way the church cares for one another and for the community, giving great attention to any and all matters of the heart. She loves to tell a good story, but is even happier to listen to yours. Jenny also loves worship, and finds joy in writing liturgy and creating large-scale art for the Sanctuary services. Jenny also works with Presbyterian Women. She previously served at First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor, Michigan and Bayside Presbyterian Church in Virginia Beach.

REV. ZACH WALKER - PASTOR OF YOUTH MINISTRIES

Rev. Zach Walker has lived in seven different states but considers Kansas City to be home. In addition to graduating from Shawnee Mission East in 1997 he has lived in Kansas City at different times for over 10 years. With undergraduate degrees in psychology and gender studies he also graduated from Princeton Theological Seminary in 2007 with a Masters of Divinity degree.

Prior to his ordination at VPC, he served as a high school director in the Seattle area at Sammamish Presbyterian Church as well as the director of youth ministries at Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church in Lafayette, California (San Francisco area).

Zach has served in youth ministry for over 10 years and couldn’t be more excited to be at Village Pres! Zach enjoys pretty much anything outdoors, loves to run and bike, and reads as much as possible. He and his incredibly awesome and intelligent wife, Meredith, welcomed baby Silas to the family in July 2017!​CONTACT913-671-2306Email

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